New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse - Ocean City, Maryland

Welcome to New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, a historical gem situated at 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, is a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. This iconic lighthouse, built in 1859, has stood the test of time and continues to captivate visitors with its rich history and stunning architecture.

Main Services

• Historical Landmark: The lighthouse itself is a historic monument, offering a glimpse into the maritime history of the region.
• Museum: The on-site museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that delve into the lighthouse's past and its role in coastal navigation.
• Tourist Attraction: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a popular stopping point for tourists, providing a unique and educational experience.
• Guided Tours: Volunteers, well-versed in the lighthouse's history, offer guided tours to visitors, bringing the exhibits to life.
• On-Site Services: The lighthouse offers restrooms and a gift shop for visitor convenience.

Location and Access

The lighthouse is nestled in the quiet, residential neighborhood of Ocean City, just off Coastal Highway. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available on 146th Street. Public transportation is also an option, with the Ocean City Beach Bus and the Coastal Highway's bus services nearby.

Featured Characteristics

• Architecture: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a classic example of a conical brick tower, with a distinctive black and white striped exterior.
• Light Mechanism: The lighthouse's first-order Fresnel lens, one of the largest ever made, is on display in the museum.
• Grounds: The lighthouse sits on beautifully maintained grounds, perfect for picnicking or enjoying a leisurely stroll.
• Good for Kids: The lighthouse offers an educational and fun experience for children, with interactive exhibits and a chance to explore the grounds.

Practical Information

Hours: The lighthouse is open for visitors from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. It's recommended to verify the hours before visiting.

Contact: For more information, please call 443-880-3973 or visit their website at fenwickislandlighthouse.org.

Volunteering: If you're interested in volunteering to welcome visitors and share the history of the lighthouse, please contact Winnie Lewis, Volunteer Coordinator, for details.

Customer Reviews

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse has a 4.3/5 average rating on Google My Business, with 376 reviews. Visitors praise the lighthouse's history, the knowledgeable guides, and the overall experience.

Positive Aspects Mentioned: The friendliness and knowledge of the volunteers, the well-preserved history of the lighthouse, the convenience of free admission, and the cleanliness of the grounds.

👍 Reviews of New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Kevin S.

3/5

Lighthouse is in the middle of a neighborhood and not on the water. Limited visiting hours. I did not go onto the property or enter the lighthouse or museum.

Leslie D.

4/5

A organization operates the lighthouse. No price or registration to enter. If they are open it free to enter. The guides are well versed on the history of the lighthouse and attached keepers house.

C

5/5

The lighthouse is absolutely beautiful. It was closed for renovations, so we were unable to go in. However, we met 2 wonderful volunteers who invited us into light keepers' house, which was absolutely amazing in itself. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. I'm so glad we did!

Exit Z.

5/5

Alright so we showed up at 10am and on google it states they close at 12. However what google did not state was the lighthouse is closed for the season. With that said it’s still a very cute place to visit. The grounds are well taken care of, they even have an amazing garden pumping out all types of veggies. Definitely come out here in the off season and just walk around, take in the views and enjoy it for what it is.

Timothy S.

5/5

Really neat nineteenth century lighthouse with lots of interesting history. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978 by the US Coast Guard and placed on the National Register of Historic Places a year later. Unfortunately, commercial and residential development over the years has nearly hidden it but thankfully a private nonprofit currently maintains it as a museum. Also located on the grounds is a stone monument that was placed by surveyors in 1750 to mark the
Transpeninsular Line separating Delaware and Maryland. Be sure to visit during operating hours.

Beverly (.

5/5

Whenever I visit Ocean City, I like to see what else is available in the area. This was a nice little stop. I was surprised that this light house was in its original location. You can't climb the lighthouse, but you can visit the entrance area. I received a nice tour of the gift shop and museum area. This is a great place for families as well as solo visitors.

Scott O.

4/5

Lovely lighthouse and friendly staffer!
Thank you for the lighthouse lamp.

Coming J.

4/5

I've been to Ocean City, MD many times over the years, and just recently got the chance to visit this lighthouse. Unfortunately they were closed when I got there. But it was still fascinating to see it up close and personal.